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against this disease and it remains one of the commonest diseases
of childhood. Fortunately, the use of antibiotics has greatly
diminished the risk of complications.
WHOOPING COUGH
Thirty two cases were notified, continuing the downward
trend of the incidence of this disease since immunisation was
started in 1953. This is now one of the most serious diseases of
infancy and immunisation of all children against it is strongly
recommended. Immunisation should be commenced by at least the
sixth month.
ERYSIPELAS
Only two cases occurred during the year.
DYSENTERY
During the year 141 cases of dysentery were notified, all being
of the mild Sonne type. This is a highly infectious disease and its
incidence has been increasing throughout the country in recent
years.
FOOD POISONING
Seventeen cases of food poisoning occurred. There were three
outbreaks, two of them family outbreaks due to salmonella
typhi-murium and the third comprising nine cases, due to salmonella
Thompson. There were two single cases due to salmonella
typhi-murium.
ACUTE POLIOMYELITIS
No case was notified during 1959. This is most encouraging
as the summer was warm and dry and conditions were very
favourable for the spread of the disease. As in the case of whooping
cough, immunisation appears to be proving effective. Details
of the immunisation campaign are given in the section of this
report dealing with the control of infectious disease.
PUERPERAL PYREXIA
One case was notified. The patient was confined in her home
and was subsequently admitted to hospital. She made a complete
recovery.
DIPHTHERIA
No case of diphtheria occurred during the year, but immunisation
against this disease is as important as ever as outbreaks are
still occurring elsewhere in the country and one adult case occurred
in this District in 1958.
SMALLPOX
No case of this disease has occurred in this District since 1932.
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